The Air Quality Advisory issued by the Meteorological Department of St. Maarten (MDS) Thursday at noon was pretty unusual. It lasted for 54 hours, until 6:00pm on Saturday.
Air quality deteriorated to levels that are unhealthy for sensitive groups, with hazy skies, reduced visibility as well as hot and humid conditions across the island. Persons with allergies, asthma or other respiratory conditions were urged to take the necessary precautions, while residents were advised to stay hydrated, keep cool and seek shade whenever possible.
The Ministry of Public Health, Social Development and Labor VSA added a release of its own Friday morning warning of elevated concentrations of fine airborne particles. It said individuals who are particularly vulnerable, including persons with asthma, chronic respiratory illnesses, heart conditions, allergies, older adults, pregnant women and young children might experience adverse health effects like coughing, throat and eye irritation, shortness of breath, wheezing, headaches, and aggravation of existing respiratory and cardiovascular conditions.
The ministry encouraged residents to limit outdoor activities, particularly prolonged or strenuous exercise, and remain indoors as much as possible, especially during periods of visible haze or poor air quality. They were told to keep doors and windows closed when practical to reduce the entry of dust and airborne particles, and use air conditioning on recirculation mode or air filtration systems where possible or available.
People required to be outdoors for extended periods were to consider wearing a properly fitted KN95 or N95 mask, while those with asthma, allergies, chronic lung disease, or heart conditions should carry and use prescribed medications as directed. In addition, the public was told to drink adequate amounts of water, and avoid exposure to cigarette smoke and other indoor pollutants.
Employers of persons whose duties require outdoor presence, including but not limited to construction, landscaping, waste collection, delivery and outdoor security, were reminded of their obligation under the Safety Ordinance to protect workers from harmful airborne substances, including the provision of appropriate respiratory protection at no cost to the worker where outdoor work cannot reasonably be postponed or relocated. VSA even advised businesses to assess whether outdoor work scheduled during the advisory period could be rescheduled, shortened, or supplemented with increased rest and hydration breaks, and to give particular attention to employees with known respiratory or cardiovascular conditions.
Aside from lingering moisture, the biggest culprit was obviously Saharan dust, credited for helping to keep Atlantic hurricanes from forming. Together with the El Niño weather phenomenon’s impact, it thankfully appears to be doing just that so far this year.
There are thus evidently also negative consequences to this atmospheric situation, but in terms of preventing potentially catastrophic tropical cyclones, it remains a blessing in disguise.
